Men's Soccer

Soccer's Incoming Class Ranked Fourth in the Nation

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - In a poll recently released by College Soccer News, the UC Santa Barbara men's soccer team's 2009 recruiting class was ranked fourth in the nation.

According to College Soccer News:

"While most of the top classes are dominated by big-time high school prospects, the Gauchos made their biggest marks in the junior college ranks. UCSB needed help on the defensive side of the ball and they got it with this class, plus more. Defenders Evan McNeil and Chris Hunter and goalkeeper Sam Hayden transfer from Yavapai College. Defender Taylor Rivas comes from Taft's and forward Waid Ibrahim, who was a two-time CIF Offensive Player of the Year, comes out of Santa Barbara City College. You know the Gauchos have serious selling power when they can go to Wisconsin and attract a High School All-American as they did in the case of midfielder Robbie Boyd. Midfielder Christian Ramirez, defender Robert Hoyle, and forward Michael Nonni are all solid."

Earlier this summer, College Soccer News ranked UCSB No. 19 in its national preseason poll and yesterday, it was announced by the Big West Conference, that the Gauchos were picked first in the annual preseason coaches' poll.

The 2009 soccer season kicks-off on Aug. 22 when the Gauchos host Westmont in a scrimmage at 7 p.m. at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium.

Season tickets for the 2009 men's soccer season are on sale for only five bucks a game. Fans who purchase 2009 season tickets will be guaranteed the opportunity to buy tickets for the 2010 Men's NCAA College Cup hosted by UCSB at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium Dec. 10-12, 2010. To accompany the successful "Soccer Town, USA" slogan as part of the College Cup bid, a discounted family valued offer is also available where a family of five can catch games for only $2.50 per game! Family Plan package also includes three free youth t-shirts and memberships to the new UCSB kids club: GKids. Fans can easily buy tickets online or by calling 805-893-UCSB. To purchase your tickets click here.

The Golden Scarf: A New Tradition
To reward and recognize our loyal soccer supporters, we will present the "Golden Scarf" to fans who have donated and/or purchased season tickets for five consecutive seasons. The scarves will be presented during a special halftime ceremony during the October 2 game vs. Indiana.